STUDIO

Crescendo

8-Channel Microphone Preamplifier
in 120V-Technology

The Crescendo is the first microphone preamplifier that works with an internal operating voltage of 120V and breaks new ground.

The Undistortable

Imagine a microphone preamplifier with such a wide dynamic range and high overload resistance that the entire dynamic range of the microphone can be recorded without any limitations.

Imagine that the preamplification electronics themselves have no effect on the sound and you rediscover the sound of your microphones. With absolute signal fidelity and clarity.

"With the Crescendo, I immediately have the feeling that I'm getting a whole new, unprecedented reproduction quality from all my microphones."

Dana Gumbiner
Tape Op

VU -10

In the Crescendo, high gains can be used to optimally drive subsequent AD converters. Should the VU meter therefore deflect too far, you can reduce the displayed level by 10 dB.

48 V

The phantom power required for the use of condenser microphones is activated with the 48V switch.

Ø

Turn the polarity of a microphone signal 180° by activating the polarity reversal switch.

Pad

For loud input signals (including line signals) the input sensitivity can be reduced by 20 dB.

Mic Gain

The gain is adjusted by a 12-step switch. The pre-amplification ranges from +18 dB to +70 dB.

"Even with the first test tones with the microphone connected, you notice that this 120 volt thing is not an empty promise. The dynamic range of the system is really impressive."

Jörg Hoffmann
Amazona

Inputs 1 – 8

The input differential amplifiers are constructed with pairs of transistors, each of which is combined in a housing. Precise matching of the transistors and thermal coupling ensure high common-mode rejection and extremely low THD values.

The choice of transistors and resistors has a decisive influence on the sound. In countless listening sessions the optimal components for Crescendo were selected – the effort was worth it!

Outputs 1 – 8

Our 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers work as current amplifiers, which also offer pure class A operation with over 6mA quiescent current. We largely dispense with coupling capacitors in order to avoid their sonic disadvantages (diffuse, sloping, loss of dynamics). In order to eliminate DC voltage components nevertheless, active servo circuits are used.

Alternate DB25 Output

For fast cabling to multi-channel converters, Crescendo offers DB25 connection.

“Good enough’ is rarely good enough for SPL, as this thoroughly over-engineered preamp testifies!”

Hugh Robjohns
Sound On Sound

The 120V technology

The 120V technology is our reference technology. The 120V technology is unique in the world. It operates at a DC voltage of 120 volts. This is four times that of IC-based semiconductor op-amps.

The highest possible audio quality requires the highest possible audio operating voltage.

The 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, we have developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC voltage of +/-60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers.
This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers.

The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits. Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom. Sonically, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience.

By the way, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the mains power socket. This is about the operating voltage inside the device with which the audio signals are processed.

The mains voltage from the mains power socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device’s internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into DC voltage required in the audio device.

The idea for SPL 120V technology and the SUPRA operational amplifier based on this technology were developed in the 1990s by SPL founder and chief developer Wolfgang Neumann.

With the goal of building the best mastering console ever, this basic technological philosophy then took shape for the first time – thus the SPL MMC1 Mastering Console for Galaxy Studios saw the light of day in 2000.

The outstanding sonic and technical features quickly got around in the scene – so further orders were not long in coming.

Besides the MMC 1, another legendary product with 120V technology was created with the PQ, the “King of Parametric Equalizers”.

Since that time, 120V technology has been the foundation for all SPL premium products. Meanwhile, not only for mastering applications, but also for the, studio or hifi use.

What exactly is that?

And what does it do?

Good questions need good answers.

And that’s what the 120V technology video gives you.

Comparison

Most audio devices work with an internal operating voltage of +/-15 volts and can thus process a maximum input level of +21.5 dBu. If a DAC, for example, has an output level of +22 dBu at 0 dBFS, level peaks of the music material would already cause overloads in the input stage of the device.
All components in the audio device often operate at their limits. The result is an unsteady sound that causes stress and faster ear fatigue.

SPL devices with 120V technology can handle input levels of +32.5 dBu thanks to the higher internal operating voltage of +/- 60 volts – thus offering 12 dB more headroom. All components consequently operate continuously in the optimum operating range. The result is a very pleasant, natural and relaxed sound experience. So you can enjoy your music in every detail.

These diagrams clearly show the superiority of the 120V technology in comparison to other circuits with lower, common operating voltages.

Home is where the heart is

That’s why we manufacture all devices in our own production facility in Niederkrüchten on the Lower Rhine, Germany.

Reviews

Tape Op

Sound On Sound

Amazona

Crescendo Blog Posts

Other Microphone Preamplifiers

Crescendo 8

Eight Channel Microphone Preamplifier with 120V Technology

Crescendo duo

Dual-Channel Microphone Preamplifier with 120V technology

Frontliner

Channel Strip

Channel One Mk3

Channel Strip

Track One Mk3

Channel Strip

GainStation 1

Class A & Tube Microphone-/Instrument Preamplifier

GoldMike Mk2

Dual Channel Microphone & Instrument Preamplifier

Manuals

Replacing fuses and voltage selection

The replacement of fuses and the switching of mains voltages must only be performed by qualified technicians. Fuses must only be replaced with fuses of the same type and specifications.

Replacement of defective fuses for 115V

Replacement of defective fuses for 230V

Changing the mains voltage from 115V to 230V

Changing the mains voltage from 230V to 115V

Specifications

Print view

Analog inputs & output; XLR (balanced)

Maximum input & output gain

32.5 dBu

Input impedance

10 kΩ

Output impedance

75 Ω

Frequency range (-3 dB)

20 Hz – 70 kHz

THD + N (10 Hz – 22 kHz, 30 dBu)

0.008 %

Noise (A-weighted, 150 Ω, 30dB Gain)

-87.5 dBu

Noise (A-weighted, 150 Ω, 60dB Gain)

-69.7 dBu

E.I.N. (150 Ω)

-129.7 dBu

Common mode rejection (1 kHz)

80 dB

Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer

Operating voltage for analog audio

+/- 60 V

Operating voltage for relays and LEDs

+ 12 V

Mains Power Supply

Mains voltage (selectable, see fuse chamber)

230 V AC / 50; 115 V AC / 60 Hz

Fuse for 230 V

T 1.6 A

Fuse for 115 V

T 3.15 A

Power consumption

230 V: 60 W, 115 V: 80 W

Dimensions & Weight

W x H x D (width x height incl. feet x depth)

482 x 132 x 300 mm

19 x 5.2 x 11.8 inch

Unit weight

9.5 kg

20.94 lbs

Shipping weight (incl. packaging)

12.25 kg

27.01 lbs

Reference: 0 dBu = 0,775V. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

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STUDIO

Crescendo

8-Channel Microphone Preamplifierin 120V-Technology

The Undistortable

VU -10

48 V

Ø

Pad

Mic Gain

Inputs 1 – 8

Outputs 1 – 8

Alternate DB25 Output

The 120V technology

Comparison

Home is where the heart is

Reviews

Tape Op

Sound On Sound

Amazona

Crescendo Blog Posts

SPL User Story: Justin Gray Music

SPL equips mastering rooms of the Westdeutscher Rundfunk with audio technology for highest demands.

Crescendo @ Amazona

Review: Crescendo in Tape Op

Review: Crescendo in Sound on Sound

Other Microphone Preamplifiers

Manuals

Replacing fuses and voltage selection

Replacement of defective fuses for 115V

Replacement of defective fuses for 230V

Changing the mains voltage from 115V to 230V

Changing the mains voltage from 230V to 115V

Specifications

Analog inputs & output; XLR (balanced)

Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer

Mains Power Supply

Dimensions & Weight

Series One

500er Serie

Classics

Optionen

Series One

500 Series

Classics

Options

Calculation of VAT (value added tax)

What does it actually mean …

Was bedeutet eigentlich …

Events

Events

Series One

500 Series

Classics

Options

Series One

500er Serie

Classics

Optionen

Anmelden

8-Channel Microphone Preamplifier
in 120V-Technology